Question 1

What types of hand and wrist injuries are compensated in Israel?

Accepted Answer

Compensable hand and wrist injuries include: wrist fractures (including Colles fractures), finger fractures and amputations, tendon injuries, nerve damage (including brachial plexus injuries), repetitive strain injuries caused by workplace conditions, and crush injuries. Both the physical limitations and the psychological impact are compensable.

Question 2

Why are hand injuries particularly significant for compensation purposes?

Accepted Answer

Hand injuries disproportionately affect earning capacity because the hand is fundamental to most forms of manual and skilled work. For tradespeople, musicians, surgeons, craftspeople, or keyboard workers, even a partial disability of the dominant hand can eliminate the ability to work in their occupation. This lost earning capacity is often the largest element of the compensation.

Question 3

How is a hand injury disability assessed?

Accepted Answer

The NII medical committee assesses disability based on grip strength, range of motion, sensation, and functional capacity. Finger amputations are assessed on a fixed percentage scale per finger joint. Nerve damage causing permanent sensory or motor deficits is assessed by a neurological specialist. Adv. Elmaliach prepares clients to present the full functional impact of their injury.

Question 4

Can I claim for a hand injury sustained at work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Workplace hand injuries — machinery accidents, cutting injuries, chemical burns, repetitive strain — are among the most common work injury claims. NII work accident benefits provide immediate support; a civil claim against the employer for negligence can follow where safety standards were not met.

Question 5

What if my hand injury required surgery — can I claim for future treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Future costs for reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices are recoverable. Where surgery will be needed in the future — for example, tendon reconstruction or joint replacement — a medical expert must estimate the timing and cost for inclusion in the claim.

Question 6

Can I claim for a hand injury in a road accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hand injuries in road accidents are covered by the Road Accident Victims Compensation Law. The no-fault basis means compensation is available regardless of who caused the accident. Occupational impact is carefully assessed — particularly for claimants who depend on their hands professionally.

Hand & Wrist Injury Compensation in Israel

Hand Injury Claims — Occupational Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Hand or Wrist Injury Claim?